The King's Birthday Salad

This is the favorite dish of the royal family of Southern Dalron and is served at every birthday celebration. The story behind this recipe and how it got its name varies greatly on who you ask. The Royal version states that long ago one of his ancestors requested something different from the royal cook for his birthday. He was presented with this chicken salad that the cook named in honor of him. The cook's family tells the story somewhat differently.

According to the story passed down over the years the chef had been making himself a snack late one night after a huge gala ball to celebrate the King's Birthday. He used some of the left-over chicken and various vegetables that the guests had not touched. He was just getting done with it when the Royal Page came to him and stated that the king was starving after having attended to so many guest, he just didn't have enough time to eat. The page insisted that the cook hurry and prepare something, for he was afraid of the dungeons. The cook took a look at what he had made for himself, divided it in twain and placed it on a platter with a roll of bread warmed in the oven and sent it up to the King, not really caring if the King liked it or not, due to the lateness of the hour.

The cook was surprised about half an hour later when the page returned and said that the king was demanding his presence that very instant. The cook swallowed the last of his snack along with a sudden dread that he would be spending the night in the dungeons. When the cook entered the royal bed chamber the king bellowed to tell him what he had sent him. The cook noticed the portion he had sent up was gone, and the bowl it came in scraped clean. Thinking fast he said that it had been planned to be served at the ball but was not finished in time. He went on to say that it had been made in the King's honor and it was going to be named King Salad. The King seemed to believe this and told the cook that from now on every gala ball he threw there would be a large portion of King's Salad on the tables of food and drink. The cook immediately agreed and as he left the royal chamber he breathed a sigh of relief then went straight back to the kitchen to quickly write down what he had put in what he himself thought of as "Lucky Salad".

2 Cups diced baked chicken
1/2 Cup diced water chestnuts
1/2 Cup diced sweet gherkin
1/2 Cup diced dill pickle
1 Cup fesh diced pears (Bartlett)
1 Teaspoon mustard seed powder
1 Tablespoon minced onion
1 Cup mayo

- Mix together in a large bowl the chicken, water chestnuts, diced pickles and pears
- Then add the mayo, onions and mustard seed powder and stir gently until well blended

From the diary of Tran Goldenleafe

Visit the home of Talona The Red http://www.freepiratesforhire.com

January 5, 2012: The Epub version of my book is now onsale, also in celebration discounted the price of the paperback for a limited time.

December 8, 2011: My first novel is available for sale on Lulu, also uploaded the 3 recipe stories I edited.

October 3, 2011: Due to the impending publication of my first novel, I will be taking some time off from book 2 to edit all of the stories on here. No dates will be changed unless a significant rewrite occurs and then it will be marked: new date (old date).